It's time to celebrate!

You are cordially invited to the Smart Trips annual Commuter Challenge Awards Ceremony! We've been tallying up your green commutes all year, and it's time to say thank you for all that you've done to keep our area greener. Join us as we announce the top 5 Smart Trips employers for 2016, and give out individual awards to our members who have made and logged their alternative work trips all year long. We are celebrating this year from 5-7 p.m. on Nov. 15at Barley's in the Old City, located at 200 E. Jackson Ave. There will be lots of great food, a cash bar, and a chance to meet some of your fellow Smart Trippers. We hope to see all of you there! Please RSVP by Nov. 10 at 215-2916 or smarttrips@knoxtrans.org.

Students Commute with Smart Trips

At Smart Trips, we spend most of our time talking about the program as it applies to workplace commutes. What you may not know is that the program also applies to college and university students. We know that for many full-time students, school is their job, and we want to make sure they're getting credit for their green commutes and making great habits in the process. While Smart Trips works in an eight county region, our student participation mostly comes from the University of Tennessee, Pellissippi State Community College, and Maryville College. Each of the schools has its own identity, which helps shape the way its students and staff interact with Smart Trips.

2016 Try Transit Week Recap

Our friends at Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) celebrated Try Transit Week from July 11-16. It was a full week with KAT's scheduled activities, including lunch with Mayor Rogero, a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new East Superstop on Kirkwood Street, neighborhood group rides to the Saturday Market Square Famers' Market, and more. Each day's event targeted different groups, but one common message throughout the week was the promotion of their new Google trip planning system that allows riders to find a route based on location, departure and arrival times, and other options.

Smart Trips Program Offers Options to City Parking Changes

As of July 1, 2016, several changes related to garage and street parking took effect in certain parts of Knoxville. With a focus on downtown and Fort Sanders, the City and Public Building Authority (PBA) are increasing enforcement, adjusting rates, and installing new meters. With all of this, monthly parking fees for garage parking will see a slight increase, most meters will have slightly higher fees and now include Saturdays, and there will be more officers to police these changes.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville becomes a Smart Trips Sponsor

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville has found another way to “make orange green,” as the slogan of their sustainability campaign commands. In September, they became a Bronze Level Smart Trips sponsor.

Since the early days of the Smart Trips program, UT has been a source of support and participation. Students, faculty, and staff have logged thousands of clean commutes.

Because of the university’s dense, urban campus, those trips range in mode from carpool and transit to biking, walking, and more.

Open Streets Knoxville Event Planned for October

August 21, 2015
On Sunday, Oct. 25, Knoxvillians are invited to walk, bike, jog or dance their way through town at the first ever Open Streets Knoxville event.

A 1-mile stretch of Central Street, connecting Happy Holler to Emory Place and the Old City, will be closed to all motorized traffic, allowing revelers a day of shopping, playing, exercising and socializing all on foot or two wheels.Learn more about Open Streets!

Pellissippi State Community College Becomes Smart Trips Sponsor

Local community college, Pellissippi State, has an excellent reputation. Professors, advisors, and administrators are known for their hands-on mentorship of each student enrolled. Smart Trips staff say this dynamic is evident on campus.

“The first time I was invited to speak at their orientation, it was clear they’re more like a family than a school,” says Outreach Coordinator Sara Martin. “I’ve since visited three of their campuses and it’s the same across the board – Pellissippi State takes care of their students.”Read more about this sponsor.

Congratulations to the 2014 Commuter Challenge Winners

On Thursday, November 20, Smart Trips welcomed the winners of this year's Commuter Challenge to The Southern Depot for a celebration of green commutes! Dana Bryson took home the individual grand prize of a $1,500 vacation package from AAA Travel. And Rush's Music won First Place in the business challenge. See more winners >>

Wheels With No Strings Attached!

Need a car? Borrow a Zipcar! The City of Knoxville and Knoxville TPO have partnered with Zipcar to provide car-sharing for residents, businesses, and the University Community. The partnership increases access to affordable, convenient transportation options that reduce congestion and emissions. To use Zipcars, simply register as a member, reserve a car online or by phone, use your Zipcard to enter the car, and drive away. When you’re done, return the car to the same location where you picked it up.

Your first year membership fee has been waived, thanks to a grant to improve air quality from the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization

As a member you get:

Access to Zipcars 24/7.

Rates start at just $7.50/hour or $69/day.

Gas, insurance and maintenance are included for free!

The first year membership fee has been waived (Thanks for a grant from the Knoxville TPO)

A Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement grant was awarded by the Tennessee Department of Transportation to the Knoxville/Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission for membership subsidies and marketing of car-sharing in Knoxville. The Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization is managing the project.